Search - Pepper's Ghost :: Shake the Hand That Shook the World

Musical Theater Rock

BrazenDiva | NY, NY | 08/15/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Yes this stuff is catchy and cute, but most of these songs sound like commercial-like jingles to me. I can hear the Beatles influence, but listen to nickel creek's "spit on a stranger" or any weezer song and you'll hear a much more interesting beatles influence. This is like musical theater rock. In other words Pepper's Ghost seems like a bunch of musical theater guys who picked up guitars and put on some ripped jeans. I saw these guys play live at grape street philadelphia, and they were very bubbly and full of energy which was nice to see, but they were clearly very full of themselves. It seemed they were more interested in how they looked in their cool rocker clothes than the actual performance. However I do wish these guys the best (and they will clearly be successful because they are playing to the 14 year old girls), but they are hardly artists. They have really amazing voices, they should just leave the songwriting up to Sondheim and Jason Robert Brown"

Simply Fresh...

Mr.Sinister | Brampton,ON | 04/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whereas as legendary bands such as ACDC,Aerosmith,Zeppelin,etc have become the primary influences of today's rock revival,surprisingly Pepper's Ghost may have had these bands at the bottom of their CD piles growing up.The graceful harmonies and non-cheesy arrangments on the ballads are what make this fantastic band such a diamond in the rough.Upon first listen to this album,I could definitely hear the influence of The Beatles,early Stones,Bowie,Todd Rundgren,MC5,Stooges,The NY Dolls,The Ramones,and just a little hint of Zeppelin here and there especially in the lead off single "You're In My Heart".The slow burn chord crunch on "Everything and Anything",fast paced rockers like "Hang On...",and "Word On The Street" prove this band to be a heavy rock and roll force to be reckoned with.Of course there's a little pop suss of early Stones and Beatles thrown in on two of the greatest sing along rock songs in years on "You're In My Heart" and "All I Know".And with equally satisfying ballads such as "Heavy Body Bags","Losin' A Friend",and the best closing track on a rock and roll album in recent years,Pepper's Ghost have shown us that this is only the beginning.



Cheers to one hell of a fresh rock and roll album!



*(on the band's website,Andy Johns,producer of the album,says that he has only worked with 2 other bands as great as PG in the past.with a track record like his that includes Zeppelin 4 and Exile On Main Street,I think it's pretty clear who he was talking about.)"

Little Pretty

D. Davis | Marietta, GA United States | 06/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got the chance to see Pepper's Ghost as an opening act and I was instantly blown away. They have a wonderful stage prescence (I strongly recommend that all fans attempt to see them live) and really work up the audience. On top of that, their sound is wonderful. With catchy lyrics and a strong lead vocal, Pepper's Ghost is easily much more pleasant to listen to then other all male bands out there.



"The Hand the Shook the World" is easily a CD that can be listened to over and over again all the way through, no matter what sort of mood you are in. The songs are all easy going with tinge of rock and roll in them, as well as humor and substance. Some of the top songs on the CD are "Little Pretty", "Hang on my Shoulder" and "Rock and Roll Stars."



I strongly recommend the Pepper's Ghost CD to anyone who might be interested. You will not regret this purchase. I look forward to future CDs from this wonderful band."